National Volunteer Week: South Central Kentucky Chapter

The Kentucky Region of the American Red Cross is a brighter place because of our treasured volunteers! During this National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to deliver some inspiration directly from some of our volunteers, who were randomly chosen from their Chapter and line of service.

To start off the week, we bring to you from our South Central Kentucky Chapter:

RICHARD PETERS, Glendale. “I used to be a firefighter, so I was familiar with the Red Cross. When I left the fire department, this felt like the right move to keep connected with my community.” 

Richard is a very active Disaster Action Team (DAT) member. During this COVID-19 crisis, Richard stepped up to help out at the local blood drives in Hardin and LaRue counties as a Blood Donor Screener and Ambassador. Richard also maintains the fleet vehicles in Hardin County and maintains the lawn around the building. 

MELISSA BERGMAN, Guston. “Red Cross helped my family in 1995 when we were affected by a tornado in New York. Now I can give back to my community and the soldiers and veterans (like myself and my husband) in Kentucky.” 

Melissa wears many hats in the Red Cross, including lead positions in Volunteer Connection and Volunteer Engagement for Service to the Armed Forces (SAF), as a SAF Caseworker, Fort Knox Advisory Board Member and Volunteer Services Screener, among others.


BILL HARGAN, Greensburg. “I have a servant’s heart, I like serving people. Many years ago, we suffered a small house fire so I see and appreciate every day how Red Cross helps those in need.” 

Bill has volunteered for the Red Cross for many years. He first brought Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid training courses to Fruit of the Loom while employed there (and currently trains Red Cross volunteers), then ventured into Disaster Cycle Services in 1998. He currently sits on the South Central Kentucky Chapter Board, is an active member of the DAT team as well as the volunteer partner for the South Central Kentucky Chapter's disaster program manager, Jason Dotson, and plays several other important roles for the chapter.

Our Red Cross volunteers are community heroes who give their time to help others. Join their ranks and be part of our lifesaving work! Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find an opportunity near you.